Sport

Andy Patterson will see out season with Thackley

Thackley have confirmed that caretaker manager Andy Patterson will stay in the hot seat until the end of the season.

The former Bantams youth striker, who was on the fringes of the first team at Valley Parade towards the end of Bradford City’s two-year tenure in the Premier League, was put in temporary charge last week.

Patterson took over from joint managers Lee Clapham and Dave Morgan when their reign ended in acrimonious circumstances. The club and Clapham ended up not seeing eye to eye and Morgan resigned when it became clear that Clapham was on his way.

Thackley spokesman Mick Lodge said: “Andy has been around the club for a long time going back to when he was snapped up by City from our junior sections. He was the unanimous choice to take over after Lee’s departure.

“He is a popular lad and knows the game inside out. He is a good coach and very good in the dressing room. He is a good man manager and he is great with the players, he has a way of lifting the mood and making people relaxed.”

Patterson has been in charge for two games, the second of which was last Saturday when he was sent from the dugout. The stand-in boss berated the referee for not dismissing an opponent following a deliberate handball in the area.

The incident led to a penalty for Thackley but Patterson was sent from the technical area by the referee. His dismissal was for either foul and abusive language or encroachment on to the pitch, both sending-off offences and guilty on both counts.

Lodge feels that merely underlines Patterson’s passion and determination. There is no doubt that Patterson is committed to whatever challenge he takes on and the club seem to be hoping that he will be around for some time to come.

Lodge said: “Andy is happy to do the job until the end of the season, with Craig Beswick and Mick Watson assisting him. I think he wants to give it a go and see how it fits in around his work.

“If everything goes well I assume the club would be delighted if he stays on and takes the club forward.”